Considered as one of the best kickers in the game at one point in his career, Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby has a lot to prove this season. Last year was a dreadful one for Crosby, as he made only 21 out of 33 field goal attempts for a very low 63.6 FG percentage.

Crosby has been in the Packers organization since 2007 and has been dependable up until last season. He was thought of as one of the game’s best before last year. Crosby made an astounding 85 percent of his kicks and was voted as the NFC Special Teams player of the week in both Week 5 and Week 7 in 2011.

No one would have ever thought that a guy, who had been that reliable for years, would be battling for his position in preseason, but this was the case for Crosby.

Entering training camp, it was clear to all Packers fans that Crosby was in competition for his position. The Packers brought in kickers to challenge Crosby on more than one occasion. First it was Giorgio Tavecchio, and then it was Zach Ramirez.

Both Tavecchio and Ramirez did an alright job battling Crosby, but ultimately, No. 2 prevailed.

So far in this 2013-14 season, Crosby is 1-for-1 on field goals and is a perfect 9-for-9 on extra points.

If Crosby can get back to his usual form, the Packers will feel much more comfortable having him come out and attempt field goals. Known for a big leg, Crosby has to regain the team’s trust in him. This year will tell a lot for Mason; he either needs to be “down the middle” or he may find himself, “down and out.”

Michael Tiscia is a Green Bay Packers writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.